Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with KPBS Passport!
"A New Leash on Life: The K9s for Warriors Story" highlights the journeys of three United States veterans struggling to adapt to life back home. All three suffered from PTSD after returning from serving overseas, and each has found hope and new ways to handle their stress and emotional challenges through the aid of a companion dog.
Throughout the documentary, Adam, Shilo and Louis recount their years of service and discuss the PTSD symptoms they faced while trying to re-acclimate to civilian life. Like many veterans, they had trouble managing their flashbacks and hypervigilance, among other issues. Each ended up looking into K9s for Warriors for help.
K9s for Warriors was founded in 2010 by Shari Duval who, at the time, was desperate to help her son Brett, a veteran suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury after serving two tours in Iraq. She stumbled upon a story about a service dog that had helped another veteran cope and that inspired her to start a service dog agency for vets.
Shari's idea gave her son new purpose. Shari and Brett's organization pairs veterans with certified service canines. All the dogs are trained by Shari and her team and each dog is rescued from a shelter. They work with 10 to 12 veterans a month, and the veterans go through a weeks-long orientation program where they learn training tools and bond with their new companions.
Weaving together the story of Shari and her son's work with service dogs and the intimate experiences of three U.S. military members in the aftermath of their service, "A New Leash on Life" shows a unique way suffering veterans are mitigating symptoms and returning to a more regular life.
RESOURCES:
STORIES TO INSPIRE: Check out our blog to learn more about how K9s For Warriors is impacting the lives of Veterans and rescue dogs, our latest developments affecting the organization, along with relevant industry research and advocacy efforts.
WARRIOR RESOURCES: At K9s For Warriors, we are dedicated to ending Veteran suicide. Veterans are encouraged to use these resources for any mental and/or physical assistance they may need.
WAYS TO SUPPORT:
- Financial Donation
- Donate a Dog
- Start a Fundraiser
- Sponsor a Service Dog
- Corporate Partnerships
- K9s Signature Events
CONTACT: Phone: 904-686-1956 or Toll-Free: 1-888-819-0112
Watch On Your Schedule: "A New Leash On Life: The K9s for Warriors Story" is currently available to stream with KPBS Passport, a member benefit that unlocks exclusive shows and extra content on the PBS app.
This film is distributed by American Public Television
